Warriors silence Tigers, 99-82

UST Growling Tigers dropped their win-lose record to 5-4, after they were silenced by the University of the East Red Warriors, 99-82 in the race for the Final Four of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines men senior’s basketball, at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay last August 19.

Tiger rookie Khasim Mirza came out strong in the first half with 14 points, but failed to deliver in the 3rd and final quarter, and ending the game with 18 points.
Recto-based Warriors were on heat in the first quarter of the game with a 7-0 run only after a minute down the clock.

But baskets from Mirza, Anthony Espiritu, mighty Tiger Jervy Cruz and Mark Canlas helped cut the lead, ending the first quarter with a 28-22 score.

The Espana boys stepped in the second period with baskets, including a three-point shot by Mirza, creating the second, and apparently last dreadlock of the game, 30-all.

Tigers recorded 23 points in the second quarter, but the Warriors came out stronger as they ended the first half with a three point lead, 48-45.

Things got disappointing for UST, as UE’s defense unable Cruz to shoot too much baskets. Cruz ended with 17 points, and only six rebounds.

Warriors’ score drifted away, ending the third period with a 12-point lead, 72-60.

UST tried cutting the lead, welcoming the final quarter with baskets from Cruz and Espiritu and a block from Dylan Ababou. Finally, a fastbreak from Japs Cuan cut the lead at seven, 79-72, with three minutes down in the game.

But UE answered the chase with baskets from Marci Arellano, Elmer Espiritu and Mark Anthony Borboran brought the game to 91-75.

The game ended 99-82, giving the Warrior, still, a flawless undefeated record of 9-0.
The Tigers never led in the game.

UE 99: Llagas 21, Borboran 14, Gregorio 13, Lee 12, Fampulme 8, Martinez 8, Lingganay 7, Arellano 6, Espiritu 5, Bandaying 2, Cañizares 2, Thiele 1.

UST 82: Mirza 18, Cruz 17, Espiritu 13, Canlas 8, Allera 8, Cortez 7, Cuan 5, Ababou 5, Gile 1, Dizon 0.

Quarters: 28-22, 48-45, 72-60, 99-82

Federer hammers Blake to complete title half-century

CINCINNATI, United States (AFP) - World number one Roger Federer began and ended with aces to hammer home a 6-1, 6-4 victory over James Blake in the final of the Cincinnati Masters to win the 50th title of his career on Sunday.

The 11-time Grand Slam winner now heads to the US Open, which starts on August 27, in search of a fourth straight trophy in New York.

"I'm very excited and confident about the Open," said Federer, 45-6 on the season with five titles. "But that's an entirely different place, it's crazy."

Federer, who dominated Blake for his seventh victory without a loss in their career rivalry, has lost just one set to the American. Federer struck nine aces and held off five break points in victory.

The Swiss top seed won his second Cincinnati trophy in three years after beating Andy Roddick in 2005.

It was a year and a week since Federer lifted his 40th career crown at a 2006 victory in Toronto. He began his run with a first title in Milan in February of 2001 as a teenager.

"My level lifted through the week," said Federer who ousted Australian Lleytown Hewitt in Saturday's semi-final.

On Sunday, he was untouchable in the opening set and rode a break in the seventh game of the second on his way to a 64-minute victory.

"My win on Saturday helped. It gave me confidence," Federer said.

"James goes for a bit more and misses more. It's quite simple how you have to play against him. I hit a good ball and served well today."

Federer put his stamp on the match in emphatic fashion, starting with a pair of aces and breaking Blake for 2-0 before another quick hold.

The American put the Swiss under pressure in a fifth game which stretched to 21 points, with Federer saving three break points and taking a 4-1 lead with a forehand to the corner.

Federer seized control as he broke the American to love and then served out the set after earning a set point when a replay was required after a line official changed his call on what would have been a Blake winner.

The US challenger almost shot himself in the foot with four double-faults in the opening game of the second set, finally escaping with a hold. But his catch-up efforts were useless as Federer rolled to the triumph.

"It feels good to get back on American hardcourts," said Blake, who will play this week in New Haven.

"My results this summer haven't shown it yet, but now that I'm healthy I feel great. I think my results show that. I'm confident going into the Open."

I'm getting a bit bored here. Imagine, we've got no classes since Wednesday (August 15) until this coming Tuesday. I miss UST already.. ;(
I miss my school, my classmates. But on the other hand, it's alright because it's suppose to be our examination week but since classes were suspended - - I've still got lots of ample time to review for our other left scheduled prelim exams especially for our departmentals for Economics. I'm a bit slow in this subject..but not that slow..I mean, it's hard for me to understand the graphs involved in this subjects. A bit of a problem in interpreting them, but I'm already adjusting and sooner I'll be able to understand it better.

So, all I did was to study, do a reviewer, watch tv, update my blog, surf the net...etc. UAAP games were cancelled because of the rain, good thing they replayed the UST vs. DLSU second round game on Studio 23 last Thursday. And then another good thing is that Star Sports has a live telecast for the Western and Southern Financial Group ATP Masters Tennis game in Cincinnati, Ohio. At least I'll be able to catch Roger live in action. 2 nights ago I slept at around 3:00am in order to watch his game. Remember that time zones in USA and here in the Philippines are really different so I have to adjust. It's okei..we don't have classes naman so I have the excuse to sleep during wee hours of the morning.

But last night, I wasn't able to keep my eyes open in order to watch Federer in the finals against Blake. I really wanted to, but my eyes were already aching so I decided to fill my bed. After all the opponent of Roger Federer was not that competitive compared to Djokovic last week at Montreal. James Blake has the rank of 9 in the world so he's not a big threat.
And just this morning, my Mom told me that Federer won the tournament. Really happy, what a good news to surprise me this morning.
And for a double check to assure me, CNN has the news and I'm currently watching the replay. He's soo excellent..such great moves.. I'll post about the finals above this one. It's his 50th career title..and that's a huge accomplishment.

Later this afternoon, UST will have a game against UE. I hope UST will play at there best against a team without any losses. Sana matalo naman UE..kahit isang beses lang...(.^__^.)
Support the growling tigers!

Roger stopped at the Final...

MONTREAL, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Roger Federer described his defeat by Novak Djokovic in the Montreal Masters final on Sunday as "insignificant" overall, but admitted the Serb had deserved to win his second Masters Series title with final score 7-6 (2), 2-6, 7-6(2)

The world number one was left to rue six missed set points in the opening set as Djokovic, who will rise to third in the world rankings on Monday, became the first man to beat the Swiss and Rafael Nadal in the same tournament.

"The goal was to win Wimbledon," Federer told reporters.

"Done that. Then, try to stay number one in the world. It would have helped to have won today but you can't have it all".

"Looking at the U.S. Open, and down the road, the Masters, there's still a long way to go. I can't start being disappointed about just one match."

With a break in the second game, Djokovic raced to a 3-0 lead but he was pegged back to 3-3 and Federer looked odds on to win the set when he led 6-5, 40-0 on his own serve.

But a couple of loose shots, combined with some free hitting from Djokovic handed the break back and the Serb then played inspired tennis to win the tiebreak.

Federer won the second set thanks to two breaks, but after hauling himself back from 4-2 down in the third, he lost the deciding tiebreak to give Djokovic the title.

"I was pleased that I came back in the second set," Federer said.

"But I couldn't play freely from the baseline because I was always in a tough situation whereas against the other players I was able to get a break ahead. (Today) I could never really breathe".

"It was not too bad a performance -- but there were too many ups and downs and then I totally missed my chances when I had them."

Djokovic's win over Andy Roddick, who began the week as the world number three, and his subsequent victories over the world's top two made him the first man since Boris Becker in Stockholm in 1994 to beat the top-three ranked players at the same tournament.

Federer said he expected Djokovic to be a force at the U.S. Open later this month.

"He's been able to back it up basically for a year now," Federer said.

"If he keeps this up, he's going to create some chances also at the grand slams because he's already been able to come to the semi-finals (French Open and Wimbledon).

"This might be a breakthrough tournament for him."

**Earlier this morning, I woke up at around 3:00am in order to witness the game live on Star Sports. I was a bit sad that Roger didn't won and defended his title this year at Montreal. But it's alright..I want Djokovic din naman as a tennis player and he deserve it right enough because he did well at the court. Actually..after Roger Federer, my next fave male tennis player is Djokovic so it's fine! (.^__^.)

At least I wasn't affected that much because I answered well our prelim exams for Literature and Business Administration..though BA was quite hard..I'm sure that about Lit.

For tomorrow, we have Accounting and Rizal..wish me luck!

Tigers stun Archers, 81-73, first in eight years

UST Growling Tigers made history as they defeated De La Salle University Green Archers in an overtime, 81-73, the first of the Tiger’s victory over the Archers in eight years, during the start of the 2nd round of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines senior men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum last August 11.

The first quarter was close to a dreadlock as the teams finished it with 18-19, favoring the Taft-based rosters. However, DLSU was in the advantage at the end of the first half with 29-34.

The Tigers finally gathered some confidence in the 2nd half of the game, as Dylan Ababou started the 3rd quarter with a 2-point basket, only after 3 seconds gone in the clock, 31-34, but James Mangahas answered it for the Archers, 31-36. A 3-point basket from Ababou and a lay-up by Mark Canlas brought the 4th dreadlock of the game, 36-all.

The 3rd quarter was in a see-saw as shots from Jervy Cruz, Japs Cuan, Anthony Espiritu plus a great play by Ababou, equaled Rico Maierhofer and Cholo Villanueva’s.

But the Archers surprised the Tigers at the end of the quarter, with under a minute left, when a basket from Simon Atkins and a back-to-back by Jvee Casio ended the quarter 41-55.

Tigers began slowing down in the 4th quarter, allowing the Archers to score, giving them a 13-point advantage, 54-67, nearing the last-2-minuntes mark, and scoring only through the charity stripe.

But things got a lot interesting as continual baskets and steals from the Tigers were executed by Espiritu, prized rookie Khasim Mirza and Jun Cortez with less than a minute left, scoring with almost a miraculous 10 points in less than 40 seconds, creating the 6th dreadlock 69-all, leaving the Archers with 6.7 seconds to shoot to win.

However, the Archers were not successful, bringing the game in an overtime.

With Casio injured, Arches found it hard to chase the Tiger’s sudden adrenalin burst, as baskets from Mirzah, Cuan and Canlas, and the Archer’s too many errors and turnovers, ended the game 81-73.

UST is now tied with the archers and the Far Eastern University Tamarraw in the 2nd spot with a 5-3 win-lose ration.

**After 8 years UST finally won over DLSU! yey!

Imagine, within that span of 8 years, there were 15 UAAP basketball games and UST haven't won any of those games not until yesterday! I'm really happy for I was able to witness it live at Araneta together with my Mom. Well, it's the first time of my Mom to watch the game live and I think she's a lucky charm.

During the 4th quarter, I was starting to lose hope and just wished that the players just have to lower down the point advantage of the Archers..but there's a miracle at the number of 69.

I do believe that UST is lucky at 69.

Think about this: Before the championship of UST last season, they won the title last year of '96 and they regained the title during season 69 of the UAAP after 10 years. And just yesterday, before the overtime, the game was tied at 69. Cool isn't it?

But of course, the win will not be possible without the teamwork of the players. Really great game they showed yesterday..it's like a "Do or Die" game again.

It's an amazing game..compared to the finals game last season against Ateneo.

I really enjoyed especially cheering the "LET"S GO UST BEAT DE LA SALLE!!" cheer. I was jumping up and down when the buzzer surrounded the whole coliseum which signaled the end of the game and UST's victory. Really great feeling to be there..the Thomasian spirit was alive!

At least we're already 1-15 against DLSU..hehe..

Go Tigers! (.^__^.)

ATP - SEMIS: HERE WE COME

AUGUST 10, 2007
Roger has brushed aside Lleyton Hewitt in the quarter-final of the Montreal Rogers Masters. Hewitt had no answer to our defending champ, going down 6-3, 6-4.

Hewitt may have managed to break Roger during the match for the first time this tournament, but Roger shrugged off the setback and proceeded to march on towards a semi-final showdown with Czech Radek Stepanek.

"I think it was a tough match," said Roger.

"Maybe the score and everything, it looked like I was pretty much in control. If you look at the first set, it took 45 minutes. We had our chances, both of us, on both serves. It went my way in the end because I served well in the important moments. I think the second set, once he broke back, I knew this was going to be now one of those tough matches against Lleyton again. (Luckily) I played a good game to break him. In the end, really, I served well. I was just more consistent from the baseline."

Roger has now won 10 straight meetings with Hewitt since 2004, which included a 6-0 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 dismantling in the final of the U.S. Open three years ago but this loss was Hewitt's first defeat since teaming up with Roger's previous coach Tony Roche.

**Look at Federer's picture above...he's making the Go USTe cheer.. (.^__^.)..cutie!**

Going for 50!
SEMIFINALS August 11

Roger hammered his 12th and 13th aces to secure a 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 win Saturday over Radek Stepanek at the Montreal Masters, moving within one victory of his 50th career trophy.

Our number one will be able to relax while second seed and hot rival Rafael Nadal and Serbian third seed Novak Djokovic prepare for an evening match-up to provide an opponent for the final. Roger will be playing in his fifth final in his last six events, the only blemish on his recent record from an upset loss to Italian Filippo Volandri in May at the Rome third round.

"I was very happy the way I played," said Roger.

"It was a tough match with a lot of crucial points, a lot of shots played on reaction. I couldn't really dictate play. He kept coming at me, but I came up with some really nice passing shots when I had to."
Go get em, Roger!

Federer, the world No. 1, took a step toward a third Rogers Cup title with a methodical 7-6 (6), 6-2 victory over Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic in the early semifinal of the $2.45 million Masters Series event.

"Novak's absolutely a tough player at this moment," Federer said. "He's got a good serve and return and he always makes you work hard."

Federer reached his seventh final in 10 tournaments this year. The Rogers Cup is his first tournament since taking his fifth straight Wimbledon title on July 8.

"I was very happy with the way I played," he said. "It was a tough match with a lot of crucial points and a lot of shots played on reaction."

The 26-year-old will be going for his 50th title against the third-seeded Djokovic, who has lost to the Swiss ace in all of their four previous matches.

Federer has won 16 straight matches at the Rogers Cup, with tournament wins in 2004 and 2006 in Toronto.

Federer and Stepanek held serve through the first set, but Federer was down 0-40 in the seventh game. He took charge and won four straight points, two on aces, and saved the game.

"That was the key to the match," Stepanek said. "I didn't use that chance."

Federer let three set points slip away in the tiebreaker, but then ended it with a backhand return.

Stepanek was broken twice in the second set as Federer clinched the win.

It was the first time since 1989 that the top three seeds reached the semifinals in Canada. The last time the top two seeds played the final was 2004, when Federer beat Andy Roddick.

ATP - Successful Birthday!

August 8, 2007 (Canada time)

Roger has won his first match in Montreal, defeating Croatia's Ivo Karlovic (ATP 34) in the tie-break in both sets.

The result might look like the match was rather tight, but Roger did in fact not face any major problems during his first appearance after his fifth Wimbledon title in series. He only lost a total of seven points on his own serve and won the tie-breaks clearly 7-2 and 7-3 on his 26th birthday today. Roger has now won all three encounters against the Croatian; the former two having taken place in Gstaad and Wimbledon.

Our star's opponent in the next round is Fabio Fognini (ATP 137). The Italian surprisingly defeated Britain's Andy Murray 6-2, 6-2.

Happy Birthday Roger!

(.^__^.)

ATP - ROGER RACES ON
August 9
Roger played to perfection today, blowing out the candles on qualifier Fabio Fognini 6-1, 6-1 at the Montreal Masters.

Chasing his 50th career title, our star was utterly dominant against an unknown Italian opponent ranked 139. With a first set which was over in 18 minutes, the challenger had little hope as Roger won a 14th match on the trot in Canada.

"I'm very content," he said after the match. "You don't expect them this fast. By the time I sat down at the end, I was only just starting to get warm."

World number 139 Fognini had upset 13th seed Andy Murray in the previous round but the 20-year-old was outclassed by Federer on Centre Court.
"I thought the first match (against Ivo Karlovic) was already very good," Federer told reporters.
"Playing in perfect conditions today, playing a solid match against a youngster, that was an excellent match."

"I was happy it all went my way and I didn't have to struggle too much out there. (When it's a short match), people like to say, 'I couldn't get into the rhythm' and stuff. It's not true. I got a perfect rhythm out there today."

The Swiss now plays former world number one Lleyton Hewitt who beat Slovakian Dominik Hrbaty 6-7 7-6 7-5, saving two match points in the second-set tiebreak.

You won’t believe what happened to me last Monday..Since we don’t have classes today, I think this will be the best day to share it here. I didn’t expect such things to happen.
But since it REALLY happened..better believe me…just read below..hope you won’t get bored!

Last Monday, August 6, 2007, together with my friends Medz, Maann, Scylla and Debbie, we decided to go to the gym after our duties in the respective organizations where we are part of. Medyo matagal din kasi na wala kaming class..( all we know is that hanggang Wednesday lang..extended pa pala hanggang Thursday) kaya nagplan kami na manood ng practice sa gym and para makamusta din ni Maann si Coach Pido na uncle niya. Pero, actually yung main agenda namin is to see yung mga nagpapractice..alam niyo na kung sino yun!.. No need for elaboration..(.^__^.)

Actually, nung papunta pla kami..(and take note: It’s raining hah!) medyo kinakabahan ako..Ewan ko ba kung bakit. Actually, dapat nga happy and excited pa ako. Early sign that something extreme will happen.
On our way, kwentuhan pa kami and kulitan..nababasa na nga ng ulan..parang wala lang.

Marielle: “Shocks! Ang lakas ng ulan..sana maging successful naman tayo sa pagpunta sa ating pupuntahan..”
Syclla: Haai..makikita natin si Miiirrrrzzzzzzaaaaaa!
Medz: Sa lakas ng ulan..baka mastranded tayo dito.
Syclla: Okei lang..bsta sa gym tayo mastranded!

**Talagang may ganong factor? Pero kung lumakas talaga yung ulan that time and magkaroon ng UST Island, for sure stranded kami sa gym kasi yun yung last location namin. Luckily, that didn’t happen.

Pagpunta namin sa entrance, ayaw na naman kaming papasukin ni kuya guard. Yung may mga PE lang daw talaga yung pwedeng pumasok. Obviously, wala kaming PE kasi we’re on our white uniform. So pumasok kami doon sa back entrance, sa part ng Annex…akala siguro ni kuya guard nde kami prepared sa ganyang mga matters..hehe.. We always have our plan B and plan C! (.^__^.)
Nakita pa namin si Bea habang papasok kami sa back entrance. May PE kasi siya that day which is Table Tennis.
Bea: “Oi, Marielle! Anong ginagawa niyo dito?”
Marielle: “Nagkayayaan kasi na manood ngayon ng practice.”
Bea: “Bantayan mo yang si Mez kay Allers hah!”
Medz: “Weehh!! Bea, akin na si Allers!”

** Crush rin ni Medz si Francis Allera ng UST tigers. Actually, it’s a kind of revelation kasi ngayon ko lang nalaman..eh si Bea, alam ko na yun since 1st year kami, Ngayon ko lang kasi nakakasama and nakakakwentuhan si Medz about basketball and UAAP…dati si Joan lagi kasundo ko sa ganyang mga matters.

Pagpasok namin, gusto ko na agad umatras kasi ang daming varsity players. I think magkasama yung Team A and Team B. Hindi ko yata kaya ang ganitong atmosphere kasi mas sanay ako na yung Team A lang ang nagppractice. Pero, since 5 naman kami and marami ring nanonood na students, nilakasan ko na yung loob ko.
Nung paupo palang kami sa bench ng gym, muntik na akong matamaan ng bola. Sinadya ata yun ng classmate ko na varsity player or fault ng bola? Ewan ko ba! Nasa side na nga ako eh..dahil doon nakita daw agad ako ni Dylan sabi ni Medz. Ayaw ko nga maniwala sa kanya eh kasi ang bilis naman, kaka-arrive ko pa nga lang eh. So, hinanap ko muna kung nasaan siya and finally nakita ko rin..katapat ko lang pala eh! Nag-Hi naman si Dylan, so nag-Hi na rin ako kaya lang medyo hinarangan ni Japs yung view ko..medyo kaasar nga eh. Ang laki parin pala niyang kind of matter kahit hindi siya ganong katangkad. Pero okei lang, I think nakita na rin yun ni Dylan..no problem! Buti nalang talaga, hindi ako natamaan nung bola..(.^__^.)

After nga ilang minutes, nakita kami ni Coach Pido…ang mga usual faces kasama si Maann na pamangkin niya. Tinanong pa kami ni coach kung may class pa kami…akala niya ata nag-cut kami ng class para manood ng practice. Natuwa naman siya nung nalaman niya na finish na yung classes namin and he allowed us na manood ng practice! Yehey! Bait naman ni coach…
Sabi pa pla ni Lala, (Syclla) baka maregular na kami sa gym…regular employee! Sabi ko naman, baka hindi lang maregular employee..baka ma-promote pa tayo! Hehe..

Yung classmate namin na varsity player, si AC, pinalapit niya si Mirza sa place namin for Lala. Hindi nga makatingin si Lala eh..syempre, that’s too much! Buti nalang hindi alam ni AC about kay Dylan..for sure aasarin din ako nun.
Nung lumapit si Mirza, sabi niya kay Lala.. “Ah..yung kay Scott?”
Almost lahat yata ng players alam na yung issue between Lala and Scott. It all started nung gawin naming candidate si Lala and Scott for Mr. and Ms. Pre-Com Personality of the class. At first, medyo minor palang yung issue..lumala lang because of our Philosophy professor…lagi niyan kasing tinutukso yung dalawa, so ngayon major issue na sila upto the point na umabot na sa ibang players.

Habang nanonood kami, may pang-aasar strategies na ginawa yung mga friends ko sa isa’t isa. Syempre, kasama na ako dun. For example, pag nakakashoot si Mirza “Go Syclla” yung sinisigaw namin. Kapag si Chester Taylor, “Go Maann”. Kapag si Dylan, “Go Marielle!”. Kapag si Allera, “Go Medz!” and kapag si Jervy Cruz or si Mark Canlas, “Go Debbie!”
Sa kakasabi namin ng ganun, napansin kami ng isang coach dun. Accroding sa past Varsitarian issue na kakabasa ko palang, siya si coach Senen Duenas for offense. Natuwa naman siya nung nakita niya kami na cheer ng cheer and tinanong pa kung sino daw ba yung pinapanood namin doon. Eh di nagkaturuan na:
“Siya po kay Mirza..”
“Eto po kuya, kay Allera!”
…and so on. Ang lakas din kayang manukso ni Kuya…na focus yung attention niya kay Scylla kasi ang lakas ng reaction niya nung sinabi namin na prospect niya si Mirza. Kaya tinawag ni kuya si Mirza (kawawa naman, kanina pa pabalik-balik sa pwesto namin) and pinagshake hands kay Lala. Ayaw naman ni Lala kasi may pawis daw..baka may germs! Hehe..

SD: “Oh! Bakit hindi mo kinamayan!?”
Lala: “Nahihiya po ako, kuya eh!”
SD: “Naku, iha…sayang ang opportunity!”

**Opportunity? Wait lang..dapat magexceed ang marginal benefit sa marginal cost. (ui! Economics!)
Nung medyo nakalayo na si Kuya..nagrefresh muna si Lala. Nagwalk-out para icompose ang sarili. Medyo nawala nga siya ng matagal. Tapos, after a while bumalik si Kuya para mang-asar ulit..pero may request si Maann.
Maann: “Kuya, pwede bang humingi ng autograpg kay Mirza?”
SD: “OO naman...cge, tatawagin ko ulit!”

**autograph? And take note..sa notebook na dala ko pa. Bago kasi kami umalis sa orgroom, pinilit ako ni Medz na dalhin yung notebook ko and hihingi daw siya ng autograph kay Dylan..kunwari daw siya si Marielle..eh I can’t stop her talaga, so hinayaan ko na. Yun pala si Lala yung magbebenefit nito.

Hndi ko nga nakita yung pagsign ni Mirza sa notebook ko kasi sinundan ko si Lala para bumili ng Sprite..ang init kasi sa loob eh. Pagbalik namin, may sign na and eto yung nakalagay:

“Lala, Hi!! Take care always.. Khasim”

Parang ayaw ko na nga hawakan yung notebook and pen na ginamit ni Mirza..gusto kong ibigay na yun lahat kay Lala..pero may significance yung dalawa eh..so I better keep it nalang. Yung piece of paper nalang na may autograph yung binigay ko kay Lala. Sana lang hindi yumabang si Mirza..feeling artista kasi.. (.^__^.)

And then, maya-maya bumalik ulit si Kuya..eh medyo malapit si Dylan sa pwesto namin..so lagot ako! Tinanong ulit ni kuya kung sino kya Dylan…eh di super turo naman sa akin yung mga friends ko. Kinuha ni kuya yung Pre-Com ID ko para makita niya yung name ko..
SD: “Sino ba yung kay Dylan?..ikaw ba ulit yung Lala?!”
Lala: “Kuya nde po..ako na naman yung lagi niyong nakikita hah.. eto o si Marielle!”
SD: “Patingin nga ng ID..ano name mo..?”
Marielle: “Shocks..lagot na…!”
**pinuntahan niya si Dylan and sinabi…
SD: “Dylan..puntahan mo naman si Marielle doon!”
Marielle: (to medz) “Kuya..kilala na ako niyan..no need na talaga!”
Dylan: “Hi!” (sabay abot ng hands for shake hands..)

**Wala na talaga akong magawa kundi i-extend ang hands ko. Okei lang..since magkakilala na naman kami pero ngayon, in a formal way. Medyo makapal yung hands ni Dylan..what do I expect eh basketball player siya..I will be shocked kung soft hands siya. Ang liit nga ng hands ko eh..kalahati nung sa kanya..haaai..hiyang-hiya talaga ako nung mga panahon na yun..si kuya kasi eh!
Pero, Mr. Nice guy talaga si Dylan kasi hindi lang ako yung kinamayan niya..pati yung mga kasama ko..sweet naman!

After 2 hours, natapos na yung practice..so 2 hours din kami doon. Ang bilis nga ng oras eh. Sabi nga nila pag nag-eenjoy ka sa isang bagay mabilis lumipas ang panahon..feeling ko nga mga 1 hour lang kami na ngstay.
Sabi naman ni Debbie, feeling niya..natablan siya ng hiya ngayon. Naku..pano pa kaya ako noh?
Pero okei lang..enjoy naman eh. Sabi ko nga I’ll bring this experience sa prelims..enjoy kasi eh..and ang daming inspiration..
Goodluck sa Preliminary examinations! I hope our class will do well!
(.^__^.)

Tigers cripple Eagles, 87-74

University of Santo Thomas Growling Tigers roared louder than ever as they feasted on the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 87-74, in the meet of the champion and the runner up of last year’s University Athletics Association (UAAP) senior men’s basketball tournament, held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay last August 4.
Rookie Khasim Mirza crippled the Eagles with his three-point baskets, which played a key role in winning the game. Mirza finished with 25 points, the lead scorer in the whole game.

Mighty Tiger Jervy Cruz stomped on the Katipunan-based cagers by recording 19 points and 21 rebounds.
Forward Mel Gile warmed up the game by scoring six points – including a basket from the 3-point line - in the early part of the game, creating an early advantage over the Eagles, 8-2.

The game was in a complete see-saw, with eight dreadlocks and 12 lead changes, ending the 1st quarter with the Eagles on the advantage, 21-24. However, Tigers closed the first half 45-all with a basket from Anthony Espiritu, shooting from the charity stripe.

However, things got hotter off-court as a warning was given to Ateneo since their pep squad Blue Babble Battalion was performing their halftime performance way too long, exciding the allotted 5 minutes by the UAAP board members.

Both the Thomasian and the Atenean crowds were at rage, until a letter from the board was read giving Ateneo the warning.

The third quarter was still in a dreadlock, with the Eagles creating too much foul, sending the Tigers into the charity stripe. The 3rd canto ended 62-61.

Things started illuminating some light for the Tigers, as alternate baskets from Mirzah, Cruz, Dylan Ababou and Mark Canlas shocked the Eagles. The Tigers’ great play of defense helped drifted the score, creating a 17-point lead, 80-63.

Eric Salamat, Chris Tiu and Zion Laterre attempted to create another dreadlock, but failed to do so, closing the game, 87-74.
With that victory, UST closed out its first round campaign as it improved its win-loss record at 4-3, in a tie with the Blue Eagles for third place.

UST 87 -- Mirza 25, Cruz 19, Ababou 10, Canlas 9, Espiritu 7, Gile 6, Cuan 5, Cortez 3, Allera 2, Dizon 1, Scott 0, Badua 0, Taylor 0.
ATENEO 74 -- Salamat 15, Laterre 13, Nkemakolam 10, Tiu 9, Baclao 8, Long 6, Reyes 6, Baldos 2, Barracoso 2, Al-Hussaini 2, Arao 1.Quarters: 21-24, 45-45, 62-61, 87-74

Tigers suffer third defeat; lose to Archers in an overtime

UST Growling Tigers lose a bitter defeat when they were beaten by De La Salle Green Archers in an overtime, 90-86, during the 1st round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) senior men’s basketball at the Araneta Coliseum last July 29.

The Tigers started out with the big advantage, as Dylan Ababou was unstoppable, scoring 10 of their 16 baskets, closing the 1st quarter with a six point lead against the Archers.

The first half did make the Thomasian crowd proud, as Espana-based players ending it 38-28, with baskets from Francis Allera, and rookie Khasim Mirza. Jervy Cruz’ rebounds played a major part in their game, and good defense prevented the Taft boys in scoring.

Things started to turn around in the beginning of the 3rd quarter as Archers TY Tang , PJ Walsham and James Mangahas shot hoops, creating a dreadlock, 40-all, after a consecutive fouls from Tigers Japs Cuan, Anthony Espiritu and Mirza.

The Archer’s first lead from the Tigers 43-45, however, came from a free throw by A Ferdinand, who was sent into the charity stripe by a foul from Espiritu, but was shortly redeemed after Espiritu shot a two-point. The third quarter ended with 62-60.

Oliver Cua welcomed the final quarter by shooting for the Archers, creating another dreadlock, 62-all. Tang erupted with baskets, causing a panic in the Tiger’s dwelling, giving the Archers a 3-point lead, 74-77 with about two minutes left.

However, with two minutes left in the 4th quarter, Ababou shot two crucial baskets, and was fouled by Walsham, sending the 3rd year Tiger into the charity stripe. Crowds gone wild as Ababou shot the bonus shot, locking the game 77-all with less than a minute left in the ball.

And with 6.4 seconds left in the 4th quarter, Cruz shot a two-point basket 79-77, challenging the Archer, in which Coach Franz Pumaren called for an important timeout.

Jvee Casio answered the Tigers with a very crucial buzzer beater, 79-all, bring the game into an overtime.In the overtime, however, after Cuan was fouled out of the game, Tiger’s defense weakened, allowing Archers to take the opportunity, creating up to a 6-point lead, the biggest of Archers’ in the whole game, with less than two minutes on the game.

Tiger’s became nervous, and practically gave away the game with number of errors and turnovers while the Archers took advantage of the time.

The Tigers now has a 3-3 win-loss record and the Archers, 4-2

Long vacation...

We’ve got no classes for today until Sunday! I’m having mixed emotions about this.

First, of course I’m so happy because I’ve got ample time to rest and make up for those 3 to 4 hours of sleep and all those pressure made by the preparation for our General Assembly for Pre-Com Society.
Second, I’m sad… because as what I’ve said…it’s because of our General Assembly. It’s supposed to be this coming Saturday but because of the class cancellation made by PGMA nationwide for SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) registration and elections, our GA is affected. Now we’ve got a very huge problem! All venue reservation was cancelled yesterday..even the band that we’ve asked to perform was cancelled. Tickets were already distributed to each classes, some already gave their payments for it and we don’t have any idea when will we re-schedule it. All venue reservations for September were already full.

No space for Pre-Com society…so sad! =(

At least the Mr. and Ms. Pre-com Personality Pageant is unmoved on Aug. 25. That must happen…I do hope there’s no class suspension on that day..if there’s any..we’re doomed!
All our efforts were worthless..sayang talaga! The time that we’ve dedicated to make it successful was just blown away.
I do hope that we can solve our problems soon..
Anyways, we just have to think positive! I believe that there’s a reason why these things happen. There’s a lot of more good things in store for us..we just have to believe and have faith! Just continue working hard..

Since we’ve got no classes…This will be the right time to update my blog. I really don’t have any more time to update here.. but since it’s my blog I think I already have an obligation for this. I must..but I enjoy it naman eh..=)

Just yesterday, I got so irritated dun sa isang professor ng NSTP. Since may mga rumors na mawawalan na rin ng classes on Saturday and Sunday, Me, Bea and Medz decided to ask their office located at the Tan Yan Kee building if the Preliminary examinations on Sunday will be postponed. When we’re there at their faculty room and asked for the Sunday classes..tinarayan pa kami nung isang girl dun. I’m disgusted dun sa reaction niya..she can say it nicely naman since we asked them in a polite way.
But just last night..I’ve checked on our eleap (where announcements for NTSP are posted) that the prelims will cancelled.
Well…that’s what you call karma!
I just don’t like those kind of people..it’s better not to mingle with them..they’re not the kind of people to waste your time for.
I’m glad that suspension are extended until Sunday..I’m not yet that prepared din kasi for the prelims..at least I’ve got more time pa to study. Oo nga pala, I have to start studying na rin for our preliminary examinations for our academic subjects. It will start on August 13. And we still have our departmental exam for Economics. Our departmental exam for Management was already cancelled. Our college decided na next sem nalang since may mga under program pa yung Management like Finance and Marketing. Marami akong lessons na dapat i-review. I have to start now..I barely have a week.

I think we also don’t have classes this coming Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tuesday, for the AM session only, because the faculty members will have a meeting which will start at 7:00am. Classes will resume at 1:00pm..so our schedule was affected.
Wednesday, because it’s the feast day of one of our patron saints, St. Dominic.

Since we don’t have classes on Wednesday, I can be able to watch on Star Sports 32 the Rogers Masters Tennis Cup which will be held on Montreal, Canada. Roger Federer will defend his title there for the 2nd time, I think? I’m so excited..I can see Federer again playing..I kinda miss him and his moves on the court. He’s really fantastic..and good-looking..haha!
I’ve saw a picture of him when he’s still a bit young. I’ll share it here..he still got his long hair..look closer! (.^__^.)

See…what level are you? (.^__^.)

UST will have a game vs. ADMU tomorrow. It’s a do or die game so that UST will be included on the final 4 list of teams for the first round. Support UST.. Go tigers!

Okei..till here nalang. Just look below this post for my updates last July 27, 26, 25 and 24. So sorry for the late update. If wala pa..I’ll just tell it on my cbox if I already updated it..Thanks! Bye! (.^__^.)